THE MAGAZINE OF ALPHA GAMMA RHO AGRICULTURE FRATERNITY âž» FALL 2018
In the Face of Uncertainty A family, a fraternity, a future
In Earnest
Why I Give:
“They Have Enriched My Life Tremendously” FOUNDATION DONOR:
Monica Voiles
CHAPTER AND SCHOOL:
Alpha Psi, Wisconsin-River Falls
LIFETIME GIVING LEVEL:
Foundation Member
FOR OVER 20 YEARS, MONICA “MOM” VOILES
“I felt the support from our collegiate chapter, our wonderful alumni, and the AGR Home Office in Kansas City — the entire AGR community — when my son passed away in June,” said Voiles. “The feeling of a ‘family’ is real.”
has served as the Housemother for the Alpha Psi Chapter of Alpha Gamma Rho at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. “I have enjoyed every moment,” said Mom Voiles when asked about her AGR experience. Voiles discovered the fraternity when she was working in the University’s Admissions Office and multiple Alpha Gamma Rho members served as tour guides on campus. “They were hard-working, respectful, fun young men to be around,” said Voiles. “When they were looking for a Housemother, my coworkers encouraged me to apply. Never in my wildest imagination did I think I would still be here 21 years later!” Not only has Mom Voiles been a long-term mentor to Alpha Psi Chapter, but she continues to be a donor to the Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho. Throughout her years of service, Voiles has given to the Loyalty Fund for AGR, the AGRconnect campaign, and the Alpha Psi Housing Fund. When asked why she continues to support the National Fraternity, Mom Voiles said she’s felt supported by her entire AGR family. “I felt the support from our collegiate chapter, our wonderful alumni, and the AGR
Home Office in Kansas City — the entire AGR community — when my son passed away in June,” said Voiles. “The feeling of a ‘family’ is real.” Alpha Psi Chapter at Wisconsin-River Falls has 46 collegiate members and over 900 alumni. Mom Voiles feels her commitment has been inspired by the many brothers she’s met and their dedication to better themselves and others within the fraternity. “I am constantly amazed at the work ethic of these young men, whether it is getting up at 3:30 AM to milk cows before class or dropping everything to help someone who needs help,” said Voiles. Over the years, the UW-River Falls Housemother has been recognized by the National Fraternity for her commitment to providing a positive climate and culture for her collegiate members. She has received multiple Housemother/Director service awards through the annual AGR Chapter Awards Program. “I always tell them [the chapter]... how proud I am to be associated with Alpha Gamma Rho,” said Voiles. “They have enriched my life tremendously — I can only hope I have been a 'positive' in theirs.”
BE A PARTNER FOR PROGRESS. Your contribution—your investment—allows Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity to continue providing its members with exceptional collegiate experiences, shaping more than 100 years of young men and sharpening the leading edge of an ever-changing world of agriculture. Your support provides the resources of the Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho—the Foundation that supports your Fraternity. Make a gift today at alphagammarho.org/donate.
Table of Contents
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FALL 2018 | VOLUME 106 | ISSUE 2
Published continuously since 1910
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EDITOR
Dave Korbelik
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DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & BUSINESS MANAGER
Caitlin Stauffer
Departments
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
AGR E L E VA N C E
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News from the Home Office and the world of Greek-letter organizations
Grant Bargfrede, Loren Kruse, Becky Haley, Matthias Olson, Ted Priebe, John Ruebush, Patrick Scheetz, Jeremy Zweiacker DESIGN & LAYOUT
THE PILL ARS
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Take note of these four numbers THE HARVEST
SUBMISSIONS FOR SICKLE & SHEAF
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Chapter Awards, National Scholarships, Foundation Donors, and more
Features Rex Martin: Completing the Leadership Circle Making Better Men Through Lifelong Personal Development In the Face of Uncertainty
TR ANSITIONS
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Honoring those brothers who have departed
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Q & AG R
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Meet Brother Bernie Staller, new Grand President of Alpha Gamma Rho. T H E L A S T PA S S
Tria Designs, Inc. alphagammarho.org/share-your-news caitlin@alphagammarho.org
Sickle & Sheaf (ISSN 8750-6866) is published two times a year (Fall and Spring) by Publications Office, 10101 N. Ambassador Drive, Kansas City, MO. Members receive life subscriptions with payment of initiation fee. Non-Profit Standard postage paid at Bolingbrook, IL, and additional mailing office. POSTMASTER Send address changes to: Sickle & Sheaf, 10101 N. Ambassador Drive, Kansas City, MO 64153-1366.
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Alpha Gamma Rho Loses a GIANT! FA L L 2 0 1 8
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More AGR Commissioners of Agriculture Steven Censky, USDA Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Initiated into Alpha Phi at South Dakota State University in 1982
Ted McKinney, USDA Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agriculture Affairs Initiated into Delta Chapter at Purdue University in 1977
Gary Black, Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture
Louisiana’s Commissioner of Agriculture Initiated into Alpha Gamma Rho Dr. Mike Strain, Louisiana’s Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry, has officially been initiated into Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity. Brothers from across the nation were able to witness the initiation of Dr. Strain during AGR’s National Convention in New Orleans on August 3. The initiation ceremony was led by members of Alpha Epsilon Chapter at Louisiana State University (LSU).
DR. MICHAEL G. STRAIN A native of Covington, Louisiana, Strain earned a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from LSU in 1983. In 1999, he was elected to the first of two terms as State Representative, where he served on the Agriculture Committee and chaired the Legislative Rural Caucus. Strain was awarded the National FFA Organization’s highest award, the Honorary American Degree, in August 2009 and was inducted into the LSU Alumni Association Hall of Distinction in May 2010. In January 2013, Strain was named “Veterinarian of the Year” by the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association. He has also previously served terms as president of SUSTA (the Southern United States Trade Association), SASDA (the Southern Association of State Departments of Agriculture), and NASDA (National Association of State Departments of Agriculture). Brother Strain and his wife, Dr. Susan Searcy Strain, have two adult children and currently reside in Covington, LA. 2
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Initiated into Alpha Eta Chapter at the University of Georgia in 2005
Shawn Jasper, New Hampshire Commissioner of Agriculture Initiated into Omega Chapter at the University of New Hampshire in 1977.
Adam Putnam, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Initiated into Alpha Gamma Chapter at the University of Florida in 1992.
Walter Whitcomb, Maine Commissioner of Agriculture Initiated into Psi Chapter at the University of Maine in 1971
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AGR BBQ Championship to Return March 2019 Alpha Gamma Rho’s Central Tennessee Alumni Chapter would like to announce that the annual AGR BBQ Championship will return to the James E. Ward Agriculture Center in 2019. On March 29-30, the weekend of Brotherhood and BBQ will once again fill the air in Lebanon, TN, home of the Wilson County Fair. The dedicated members of the AGR BBQ committee want the focus of the 2019 BBQ Championship to be Brotherhood. With alumni and collegiate teams participating alongside each other, the atmosphere around the cook sites show the strength of AGR’s brotherhood from both teams, young and old. Teams will once again compete in 4 categories consisting of pork, ribs, chicken and a special category that is still to be determined. The weekend will begin Friday afternoon with a “Pig Pullin” social, which has become a great part of the weekend to let everyone relax before the pits are lit. Competition turn-in will be on Saturday morning and awards will be handed out Saturday afternoon, with AGR Rope Pull and Corn Hole competitions being held in-between. There are RV spots available and camping areas for brothers who want to compete or just join the fun.
Make sure to visit www.agrbbq.com for more information and future announcements. SAVE THE DATE: Join us March 29-30, 2019 for Brotherhood and BBQ!
“Feed the Good” is the Focus for Steve Hanson with Prebiotic Ingredient “Think of your gut as a garden,” says Iowa State alumnus Steve Hanson. “You want to feed the flowers, fruits and vegetables, but not the weeds.” That notion is the basis of a prebiotic ingredient developed by Prenexus Health, where Hanson serves as Senior Vice President of Global Sales. Prebiotics, put simply, are fuel for the bacteria in your digestive system. Prenexus Health, based in Gilbert, Arizona, is the innovator of a xylo-oligosaccharide (XOS) prebiotic, which selectively targets and feeds the beneficial bacteria in the gut. “Our XOS prebiotic is different than other types because it selectively feeds good bacteria, and less of the unwanted ones,” said Hanson. Prenexus Health's XOS prebiotic comes from high fiber sugar cane and is produced using a clean process of heat, water and filtration that results in a high purity prebiotic ingredient. Hanson says prebiotics represent an exciting trend in the nutrition industry. Research points to poor gut health being associated with the increase in children’s allergies,
impact on brain function, reduced immune health and more. “As the amount of bacteria types present in our gut — known as 'microbiome diversity' — has decreased over the last few generations, we’ve seen an increase in health concerns that can be traced back to these changes” said Hanson. “I’m excited to be leading where prebiotics are headed for improving health.” After earning a degree in Public Service and Administration in Agriculture from Iowa State University, his career has included more than 20 years in the nutrition industry. Growing up in northern Iowa, this son of a nurse and a high school agriculture teacher never imagined he’d help chart the future of nutrition from the Arizona desert. That said, Hanson isn’t as far from the farm as one might think. “Family farmers are the sole source of the raw material used to create our XOS prebiotic,” said Hanson. “Knowing we’re creating new value-added markets for American farmers is one of the best parts of the job.”
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Earning a Reputation on Campus
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Gamma Zeta Chapter at Arkansas Tech University (ATU) is the newest installed chapter of Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity. In a time when Greek life has become highly controversial, the men of the former Alpha Gamma Rho colony set out to prove something before becoming an official chapter, and quickly earned themselves a reputation on ATU’s campus.
ture, brothers within the colony studied together and helped one another stay involved within the university’s Department of Agriculture. “I have been impressed by their hard work and dedication to their organization, as well as their dedication to the ATU Department of Agriculture,” said Bryan Rank, a professor in ATU’s Agriculture Department. Alpha Gamma Rho has quickly become an important asset of ATU’s Department of Agriculture, being heavily involved in all of the departmental activities from academic to social functions.
Highest Fraternal GPA
The First to Help
As a colony, the collegiate men at ATU took Alpha Gamma Rho’s values seriously and inspired “a pursuit of academic excellence” on campus. For the spring 2017 semester, the collegiate brothers raised the scholastic achievement bar on campus — earning the highest fraternal GPA with a 3.28 cumulative GPA. With the majority of members studying agricul-
The colony has also earned a reputation on campus for their high level of community service and philanthropy. Throughout the last two Christmas seasons, the colony filled many of the volunteer roles for a community-wide event to help raise money for the local Boys and Girls Club. The men also support the Angel Tree Project —an effort that provides gifts and clothing to children in need. In 2017, they adopted fifteen
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children to support through the program. Gamma Zeta Chapter also worked with Arkansas Tech Department of Agriculture to support the Arkansas Special Olympics through the Polar Plunge Challenge. In 2017, the men raised nearly $2,000 through their efforts — which was over half of the total proceeds raised by the entire department. “This group of men is consistently the first one to help out,” said Emily Schlaf a Graduate Assistant for Greek Life at Arkansas Tech University. Seth Harrison, Vice Noble Ruler of Membership Development for Gamma Zeta, said he is proud to represent AGR and that his involvement has helped him develop interpersonal skills to make friends and grow outside of his comfort zone. “AGR helps me keep growing through fundraisers and philanthropy, which have given me more confidence and helped me become a better man,” said Harrison.
Colony to Chapter Since the spring of 2016, the group of over 20 collegiate men worked hard as a colony to represent AGR and the
Greek community through their excellent scholastic and community service records. Within the last two years, the group has grown to become one of the larger fraternities on campus with a great social and professional reputation. The AGR colony has been looking forward to becoming an official chapter and the men are excited to have the full resources of the National Fraternity and their Interfraternity Council. The group expressed their hopes of eventually having a chapter strong enough to own a chapter house in the future. During Business Session II of the AGR National Convention on Friday, August 3, 2018, AGR’s colony at Arkansas Tech University petitioned to be installed as an official chapter. The delegation of the 2018 National Convention was impressed with their membership and enthusiastically voted to welcome the colony as the newest AGR chapter Gamma Zeta Chapter. Gamma Zeta Chapter of Alpha Gamma Rho at Arkansas Tech University was officially installed on October 13, 2018.
Corporate Partners AGR is committed to offering opportunities for members and corporations in the dynamic global agriculture and food industries to connect. Thank you to our Corporate Partners for support of our mission! ELITE
PLATINUM
GOLD
SILVER ADM Bader Rutter BRONZE CDW Zen-Noh Grain Corp
FIND US. FRIEND US. FOLLOW US. @alphagammarhohq @alphagammarho Alpha Gamma Rho: Social/ Professional Ag, Food, Fiber, & Life Sci. Fraternity Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity Alpha Gamma Rho
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Colony Installed at Cobleskill
The Purpose of Alpha Gamma Rho is “to make better men and through them a broader and better agriculture…” has remained relatively unchanged for over 100 years. To accomplish this, the fraternity aims to develop young men into leaders at each campus where Alpha Gamma Rho has a presence. But what about the campuses with agriculture, natural resources, and life and environmental science programming who do not have an Alpha Gamma Rho chapter? Alpha Gamma Rho strives to make a continuous effort to find and analyze what new campuses will best benefit from the presence and Purpose of AGR. This fall, the social and professional agriculture fraternity found a new home at the State University of New York College of Agriculture and Technology in Cobleskill, NY — also known as SUNY Cobleskill. Alpha Gamma Rho is the first North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) affiliated fraternity to be present on Cobleskill's 6
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campus. This is important as 2018 is the first time in recent university history they will be choosing to recognize Greek-lettered organizations on the campus. “Helping establish a new colony for Alpha Gamma Rho has been a wholly unique experience,” said Nathan Laudan, Membership Growth Consultant for Alpha Gamma Rho. “When we came for site visits last spring, we were able to see the excitement and the hunger these students had for a fraternity experience.” On September 8, 2018, the men of AGR’s Zeta Chapter at Cornell University traveled to Cobleskill to help install the newest colony of Alpha Gamma Rho. Thirteen young men with intentions to make a difference on their campus were initiated into the colony at SUNY. These men are majoring in different degrees including animal science, dairy science, agriculture business, agriculture engineering, and more. Together, they averaged a GPA of 3.35 and are each involved in orga-
nizations on the Cobleskill campus. As of October 2018, the colony has over 20 members. “Coming back this fall to recruit these new members was fulfilling,” Laudan continued. “It’s been incredible to meet these young leaders who are ready to dive into everything AGR and agriculture. It’s obvious that the Purpose of Alpha Gamma Rho is as relevant today as it was when it was written.” At the installation ceremony, Grant Bargfrede, AGR’s Senior Director of Operations, offered his advice for a successful experience and proposed a challenge to the new colony members. “This is a new start and new chapter not only for yourselves, but for your campus,” said Bargfrede. “Know that what you are creating isn’t just for you, but for the generations of students who will come after you. I challenge you to keep that in mind with everything you create this year.”
The Pillars
Rec ruit
age Aver r of e b num emm w e n per bers hapc AGR iated it n i r e t 18 . ll 20 in Fa
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13 members were recruited and initiated into AGR’s newest colony at the State University of New York College of Agriculture and Technology in Cobleskill, New York on September 8, 2018. Learn more on page 6.
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ber Num R G A of ter p a h C rds Awa n e t giv ghou throu 17-18 0 the 2 ic em d a c a year.
Alpha Gamma Rho is thrilled to announce AGRconnect is now mobile friendly. Login at AGRconnect.org to explore the new calendar, individual development guide, semester goals, toolboxes, and more.
The 2018 National Convention was one of the largest National Conventions in Alpha Gamma Rho history, coming very close to the record of 561 attendees during AGR’s Centennial Convention in 2004.
Rec ogn i
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43 awards were presented during AGR’s National Convention, including biennial Top Chapter Awards. View the full listing of AGR’s annual Chapter Awards beginning on page 17. FA L L 2 0 1 8
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Rex Martin is excited to come home to Alpha Gamma Rho, the nation’s leading agriculture fraternity, as its new CEO. He was selected to lead the organization this past February and strongly believes in Alpha Gamma Rho’s core purpose “to make better men.” He has spent the last seven months connecting across the Alpha Gamma Rho network and building plans for the future. Rex Martin believes in the value of lifelong leadership. He is a product of it and knows it all comes full circle. "AGR has a great track record of developing young men into productive leaders of the agricultural industry,” said Martin. “Many leaders cite their experiences with the fraternity as a fundamental factor in their personal and professional growth and that was certainly true for me.” Growing up on a farrow to finish swine operation in Camden, Arkansas, his parents taught him the value of 8
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hard work and strong ethics. He participated in his fair share of Arkansas livestock shows and was active in the National FFA Organization, serving as Arkansas FFA State President. In 1985, Rex traveled north of the farm to attend the University of Arkansas and was initiated into Alpha Iota Chapter in 1986. As an undergraduate, Martin recalls that he enjoyed his experience living in the fraternity house the most. Following college, Rex began his career in the the crop protection industry
based in Amarillo, Texas. Not knowing a single person in Texas, he pushed himself to meet others by getting involved with Big Brother and Big Sisters and his church. And, it was at church where he first met his wife Kristie. From Texas to Iowa to North Carolina, he eventually landed in Springfield, Mo. working in state government relations for Syngenta. Syngenta is where he devoted the majority of his career, rising to head up its industry relations, governmental affairs and external affairs in Washington, D.C. Following Syngenta, he served as the senior vice president of owner relations at Dairy Management, Inc. where he was responsible for building partnerships with farmers, agribusiness and national agricultural associations. Throughout his career, there was one common thread, and that was leadership development.
“I have had so many people help me along the way and help shape me into who I am,” said Rex. “All my life, I have been involved in mentoring and developing leaders in some way. It is my passion to help develop others.” Rex has received numerous awards recognizing his leadership commitment, including the William Larue award from the Southern Crop Production Association, the CropLife America Workhorse award and the Missouri Corn Growers Association and American Agri-Women President’s award. He also was the first-ever recipient of the Kansas Ag Retailers Association’s “Standing TALL” award. Throughout most of his 28-year career, Springfield is where he planted his roots with his wife. They have two daughters: Blair, who is a sophomore at DePaul University in Chicago, and Haley, who is a junior at Kickapoo High School in Springfield Mo. The family enjoys vacations by the water, snow skiing and snowmobiling. This February, he landed to be what he considers “coming home” when he was asked to serve as AGR’s Chief Executive Officer — the fourth one in the fraternity’s 114-year history. “I was thrilled and honored to be chosen to lead AGR," said Rex. “And, I know am ready for the challenge to help move AGR forward into the future.”
The Plan: “Moving Forward”
Moving the fraternity forward is the focus for Rex as he assumes the CEO role. He is “excited to be working with excellent staff and volunteers” who serve the fraternity and its purpose “to make better men.”
Brother Martin brings a passion for leadership training, mentoring and working in non-profits to AGR. He appreciates the opportunity to lead AGR and shift from the corporate world to a position that allows him the chance to make more of a direct impact on the future of agriculture.
“AGR brothers hold important values that last a lifetime,” said Rex. “I want to harness the enthusiasm and passion for agriculture and provide support to our collegiate men.” “AGR brothers hold important values that last a lifetime,” said Rex. “I want to harness the enthusiasm and passion for agriculture and provide support to our collegiate men.” One of Rex’s first priorities was to analyze the framework of AGR. He began by sorting out AGR’s infrastructure and taking the time to understand each building block or “brick”. “I had to understand how the current framework was built,” said Rex. “What is succeeding, what can, or should we do differently, and how we can restructure and make necessary improvements to move AGR in the right direction.” “AGR must be an agent for change,” said Martin. “There are definite trends in the
world of agriculture, and AGR must learn how to adapt while maintaining its integrity. “ What does AGR look like in five to 10 years? Rex believes AGR will be “stronger” across the nation and exhibit more leadership at the collegiate level. He feels AGR, as a national organization, will expand to more universities, have an even stronger presence within agriculture companies — and continue to hold a prominent position within agriculture. He believes chapters must continue to embrace the AGR Brotherhood Program, build strong relationships with the Departments and Schools of Agriculture on each campus, and be leaders within their community. Rex knows the importance of a strong support system and wants alumni to continue to build closer relationships with chapters to provide direction and guidance when needed. Looking forward, one of the main focuses will be to enhance support and resources for leadership and career development within the agriculture industry. This will include innovative partnerships that leverage AGR’s capacities. The fraternity will put increased emphasis on equipping our agricultural leaders of tomorrow. “Alpha Gamma Rho is a social and professional organization — emphasis on professional,” said Rex, “We are leaders within agriculture. AGR must continue to grow and enhance career
development so we can create lifelong leaders in our industry.” When others look back on his time as a leader, he hopes they will feel he left AGR better than when he started. Ideally, AGR will be in good hands for the next person, who will be ready to move AGR forward, completing the circle of leadership.”
Four Key Strategies for Moving AGR Forward: 1. Communication
new branding, enhanced AGR communications and increased external communications;
2. Revenue Enhancement
the development of more corporate partnerships, annual giving and a new capital campaign;
3. Leadership
elevating existing programs, executive team coordination and career development; and
4. G rowth
new chapters, stronger chapters, increased chapter membership and improved alumni / chapter engagement.
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Making Better Men “We, the Brothers of Alpha Gamma Rho, commit ourselves to give you the benefit of our support and experience so that you may obtain a high level of scholarship, maturity, and awareness of Fraternity ideals which, when united with genuine compassion and concern for your fellow man, will help make you a well-rounded individual and true Brother in the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity.” — ALPHA GAMMA RHO COVENANT
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THROUGH LIFELONG PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT THESE WORDS, FROM THE COVENANT OF
Alpha Gamma Rho, describe the experience the Fraternity believes every member deserves, and reaffirms that providing this experience requires both commitment and action from each brother. The Covenant serves as a brother-to-brother agreement “to make better men”. This agreement is demonstrated most clearly through the AGR Brotherhood Program—a formalized series of events, experiences, and activities concentrating on the growth of each individual member. Spring of 2017 marked the 25th anniversary of the Brotherhood Program, which was adopted in 1992 to eliminate pledging for the National Fraternity. At this quarter-century milestone, a taskforce was formed to identify opportunities for continued improvement and to lead the revision and updating process that has taken place over the last year. The revision has been supported by AGR Home Office staff members, a focus group of collegiate and alumni members, and consultants from The Context Network—a leading agribusiness consulting firm with numerous AGRs among their ranks. The overall goal of the Brotherhood Program revision has been to expand the focus from ensuring minimum expectations are met to creating
an ongoing, life-long personal development program. This expansion requires identifying a way to measure progress; creating activities which support continuous personal growth; and producing individualized experiences to support the diverse ambitions of each member. The enhanced Brotherhood Program was unveiled at AGR National Convention in August 2018, and can be depicted in four pillars: New Member Excellence, Chapter Programming, Mentoring, and Individual Resources. I.
New Member Excellence is the most widely adopted area of the original Brotherhood Program, and ensures each new member has the awareness of, and ability to meet and exceed, our minimum expectations.
II. Chapter Programming includes the
many types of events, initiatives, and other actions taken by chapters to provide a positive experience for brothers while improving our communities and home campuses. III. Mentoring , the third pillar, has always
been an important part of Alpha Gamma Rho, and is further emphasized in the improved Brotherhood Program.
AGR Brotherhood Program Timeline
Green-colored activities are reoccurring while purple-colored activities happen once in the member’s experience throughout the program.
YEARS 2, 3, 4 YEAR 1
Continuous Recr uitment
GROW
NURTURE
Orientation Initiation Self Assessment
REPEAT
Ongoing Self-Assessment, Goal Setting, & Mentor Reviews
Goal Setting Quality Control
GIVE
Big Brother & Mentor Meetings Graduation Ritual
Big Brother & Mentor Meetings Semester Review w/Big Brother
Bid Extension
New Member Education Examples of Ongoing AGR Chapter Programming Risk Career Management Development
Community Service
Ag Industry Issues
Mentorship
Recruitment
Professional Skills
AGR History & Values
Personal Health
Chapter Retreats
Etiguette
Brotherhood /Bonding
IV. Individual Resources, shown in the
fourth pillar, are new additions to support each member’s unique development path and are accessible any time via AGRconnect.org. These modernized tools are useful for tracking activity over time, but the most critical piece of ongoing personal development is having a standard to measure against. A diverse team of undergraduates and National Leaders developed 12 competencies, organized in four areas, which make up the foundation of the Brotherhood Program. These competencies give each member a guide for setting goals and a way to measure their progress. Two key activities that support individualized growth are the Self-Assessment and Goal Setting components. This gives each member the opportunity to score himself across the 12 competencies and set goals for improvement. These assessment scores and goals can be kept private, or ideally, would serve as a discussion topic with that member’s Big Brother and other mentors. The AGR Home Office will be supporting chapters in rolling out the program over the next year, and has produced a suggested timeline for conducting the various activities of the Alpha Gamma Rho Brotherhood Program at the chapter level. To learn more about the expanded Brotherhood Program view the Brotherhood Program Outline module on AGRconnect.org. Much like Alpha Gamma Rho members strive to continuously improve themselves, the AGRconnect endowment ensures AGRconnect will continue to improve as well. Coming soon: a new 5 Orders of Recognition Program and tools to support the Semi-Annual Brotherhood Review!
NEW & IMPROVED AGRconnect AGRconnect is an online resource designed to engage, educate, and empower members of Alpha Gamma Rho. Over the last year, the Fraternity has made many advancements to improve the online user experience on AGRconnect.org and help with accessibility of tools for both collegiate chapters and alumni members. Vivayic, a company that designs learning solutions, worked with the AGR Home Office to recreate AGR’s New Member Education modules. Additionally, members of the AGR Home Office worked with Monarch Media, Inc. to create a learning management system with new technology and more capabilities. The educational platform is now mobile friendly, and has been updated with a number of tools to help AGR chapters succeed within the Fraternity, on campus, and in their individual lives.
New DASHBOARD: Find announcements from your chapter and the National Fraternity on your Dashboard! View which courses you are enrolled in and your current progress within them. SEMESTER GOALS: Set your Semester Goals under the “My Development” tab on your Dashboard. Make sure to set your goals for the Fall 2018 semester! CALENDAR: Check out the new Calendar feature that keeps you up-to-date on National Fraternity events and your local chapter events! Chapter Officers can add to the calendar so chapter members and alumni can always know about upcoming events! You may also use the calendar to set personal reminders. FA L L 2 0 1 8
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In the Face of Uncertain
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hen you grow up in a farming family, you’re no stranger to uncertainty. You’re used to the fickleness of the weather, the volatility of the markets, the temperamental animal, the combine that only breaks down when there is rain in the forecast, and the dryer fan that seems to shut itself off whenever it darn well pleases. It seems the only certainty in farming is uncertainty. College is also unpredictable — especially when you’re a student from a rural community. The transition can be intimidating — it’s not uncommon for a single lecture hall to contain more students than your entire hometown high school. More than anyone else, it seems members of Alpha Gamma Rho understand where the uncertainties of agriculture and college life intersect. But it’s in the most profound moments of the unknown that the certitude of AGR brotherhood proves itself.
W
nty A family, a fraternity, a future. By John Ruebush, Illinois Illustration by Jenny Boehme
Below: Mitchell Farms operation is located outside of Winnebago, Illinois, and includes dairy cattle, corn, and soybeans. In the fall of 2015, they completed construction of a new free stall barn, with capacity for 450 milking cows.
SIX GENERATIONS, ONE FARM
Winnebago County, situated in the northernmost part of Illinois, is a microcosm of the Prairie State. It’s a balance of urban and rural — home to Rockford, one of the state’s three largest cities, it’s also home to long expanses of farmland. Bordering Wisconsin, Winnebago County knows dairy cattle, and amongst its numerous dairy farms is the Mitchell Farm. Located just outside the town of Winnebago, the Mitchell family has farmed their land for six generations. Today, the Mitchell farming operation includes 400 head of dairy cattle, as well as corn and soybeans. If a case could be made for the quintessential Midwestern dairy farm, the
Mitchells could certainly make it. But in July of 2008, the future of their family farm became anything but certain. FACING AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE
Sixteen-year-old Aaron Mitchell had plenty of people to look up to in his life. His dad, Mike, was a well-respected dairy farmer and vice president of the Illinois Milk Producers Association. Mom, Janice, had served as the school district’s band director for more than 15 years. Oldest brother, John, had recently returned home to the family farm after graduating with a degree in Animal Science from the University of Illinois. And middle brother, Kyle, was preparing for his junior year at Illinois, studying Agricultural Engineering.
More than anyone else, it seems members of Alpha Gamma Rho understand where the uncertainties of agriculture and college life intersect. Aaron, who’d be starting his junior year of high school in the fall, was attending summer camp when he received news that would change his life. “I noticed a couple of the camp counselors talking, and I could tell by the looks on their faces that something wasn’t quite right,” said Aaron. Soon, those counselors brought Aaron to the camp’s office, where his aunt had arrived with devastating news: Aaron’s father and middle brother had passed away in a farming accident. Earlier that day, Aaron’s father was trying to fix a pump on an empty slurry tank. He climbed inside the tank to check something and was overcome by methane gas that had built up, which caused him to pass out. Middle brother, Kyle, was working nearby. He noticed he hadn’t seen his father in a while, so he went looking for him. As he looked around the slurry tank, he eventually spotted his dad, unconscious inside. Kyle immediately scrambled down the ladder to render assistance, while shouting to oldest brother John to call 9-1-1. John anxiously FA L L 2 0 1 8
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In the Face of Uncertainty Farming consistently ranks among the top 10 most dangerous occupations— ahead of electricians, construction workers, and even law enforcement officers.
waited for the rescue crew to arrive, but by the time they got there and put on all their protective gear, it was too late. Mike Mitchell and his son had both been overcome by the fumes. “You can’t see the gas, you can’t smell it, and unfortunately people see someone who’s unconscious, they think they’ve just hit their head or had a heart attack… ,” said Aaron. “As farmers, our instinct is to jump in and help, and sometimes in situations like this, that has unintended consequences.” Unfortunately, this tragic situation is not uncommon and death by farming accident affects many farm families across the nation. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, farming consistently ranks among the top 10 most dangerous occupations— ahead of electricians, construction workers, and even law enforcement officers. “I see a story almost every year where a very similar thing happens to someone else,” said Aaron. “Luckily, John had the wherewithal to stay out of the tank and wait for the rescue squad, or it probably would’ve gotten him, too,” Aaron continued. “If it had, it probably would’ve been the end of the farm … I was 16 at the time and there’s no way I could have taken on the family business at that point in my life.”
A COMMUNITY — AND A FRATERNITY — GATHER
Aaron Mitchell sits outside the Mitchell family home with a young calf. Aaron and his older brother, John, help manage the Mitchell Farms’ dairy herd while their cousin helps with the grain operation.
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The community’s respect for the family became evident in the following days. A memorial service — held at the high school gymnasium to accommodate the crowd — brought together nearly 600 friends and neighbors to pay their respects. Among the crowd were a number of Alpha Gamma Rho brothers from Alpha Chapter at the University of Illinois, where oldest son John had lived while attending college. “I could always tell John’s Agger brothers were his really close friends,” said Aaron. “I didn’t realize how close, until they showed up that day to honor my dad and brother.” Despite being located in the northernmost part of the state, just miles away from the Wisconsin border, numerous AGR brothers drove several hours and stood in line for over an hour, just to give a moment of comfort to their brother in need. “Seeing those guys drop everything to be there for us meant the world,” said Aaron. “I pretty much made up my mind right then and there about where I wanted to be when I went to college.”
A WISE DECISION
Eventually, Aaron was accepted to the University of Illinois, rushed Alpha Gamma Rho, and received a bid for membership. Despite moving from a community of 3,000 to a campus of 45,000, Aaron knew he already had a familiar support system in place. “Coming from a small town and moving to such a huge place… it’s intimidating,” said Aaron. “But I’d already seen the power of Alpha Gamma Rho brotherhood, so I knew there was a group of guys who share a bond in agriculture and value what I value.” This bond came into play during the tough times, like the university’s annual Dads Weekend. “You have moments sometimes where your emotions break down,” said Aaron. “Knowing there’s somebody — anybody — down the hall who’ll take the time to just sit and talk you through those tough moments — it means everything.” “I just wouldn’t have gotten that kind of support if I’d lived in the dorms,” Aaron adds. “Joining Alpha Gamma Rho is one of the wisest decisions I’ve ever made.” BACK TO THE FARM
“I’d already
Aaron completed his seen the powdegree in 2014 and joined oldest brother er of Alpha John back at the MitchGamma Rho ell farm. Together, they brotherhood, manage the dairy herd, while a cousin heads up so I knew the grain operation. there was a The Mitchell Farm is run well and in good group of guys hands, but there’s no who share a substitute for the guiding bond in agrivoice of a father. “There are times when culture and you find yourself wishvalue what ing you could just ask your dad something…” I value.” said Aaron, “That experience is priceless.” Even without the guidance of their father, Aaron and John are building on the strong foundation Mike Mitchell left for them. “To see John dive in and take over the farm so soon after graduating college always impressed me and made me want to step up, too,” said Aaron. “It’s been ten years since we lost our dad, but we’re still learning on the fly.” And just as importantly, Aaron and John know their other brothers – their Alpha Gamma Rho brothers — are there for them, just like they were at the hardest time in the Mitchell family’s life. “If you farm, you accept a life of uncertainty,” said Aaron. “But I know I can be certain that my Agger brothers will be there for me if I ever need it.”
Above: Both John and Aaron Mitchell were members of Alpha Gamma Rho’s Alpha Chapter at the University of Illinois. Middle: Mitchell brothers Aaron, John, and Kyle grew up helping on the farm and cheering on the Green Bay Packers. Right: Oldest brother, John, took over the family farm following the tragic accident. Today, the family milks over 350 cows, three times a day.
The Harvest This section is dedicated to recognizing accomplishments of Alpha Gamma Rho in the 2017-18 year. We celebrate the progress of the entire Fraternity and the excellence of its chapters, collegiates, alumni, Advisers, Housemother/Directors, and all those who help advance Our Purpose of Making Better Men. The Harvest includes chapter awards, scholarship recipients, major donors, and more. Whether you are a collegiate leader, an adviser, or a generous donor, thank you for helping Alpha Gamma Rho pursue excellence.
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The Harvest
2018 Top Chapter Awards The Sleeter Bull, Most Improved Chapter and Maynard H. Coe, Chapter Efficiency awards were presented on Saturday, August 4, during the Hall of Fame Awards Banquet at AGR National Convention.
THE SLEETER BULL AWARD The Sleeter Bull Award is awarded to an AGR chapter that has shown the most improvement in the past two years while meeting qualifications of Chapter Awards including a great GPA, consistency with AGR Promise and Values, and other improvements compared to previous years. ff The Sleeter Bull, Most Improved Chapter award was presented to Beta Phi Chapter at the University of Idaho. ff This year, the Sleeter Bull Award runner-up was Chi Chapter at Cal Poly State University-SLO.
THE MAYNARD H. COE AWARD The Maynard H. Coe Award recognizes an AGR chapter that has best exemplified the Promise and Values of Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity. Chapters must meet the qualifications for Chapter Awards and demonstrate efficiency and consistent excellence over the past two years. ff The Maynard H. Coe, Chapter Efficiency award was presented to Eta Chapter at Iowa State University. ff The Maynard H. Coe Award runner-up was Pi Chapter at Oklahoma State University.
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The Harvest
GOLD STATUS Alpha, Illinois Delta, Purdue Epsilon, North Dakota State Eta, Iowa State Theta, Missouri
AGR Chapter Awards ďƒ™ Green & Gold Chapters All Alpha Gamma Rho Chapters have an opportunity to be recognized for their excellence. Chapters who achieve all
Iota, Wisconsin-Madison Kappa, Nebraska-Lincoln Lambda, Minnesota Nu, North Carolina State Omicron, Kentucky Alpha Gamma, Florida Alpha Zeta, Kansas State Alpha Theta, Maryland Alpha Iota, Arkansas Alpha Pi, Arizona Alpha Sigma, Fresno State
of the requirements for 4 of the 7 categories below will be
Alpha Tau, Western Illinois
recognized as a Green Chapter while Chapters who achieve
Alpha Upsilon, Tennessee-Martin
all of the requirements for 6 of the 7 categories below will be recognized as a Gold Chapter. 1. Academic Excellence 2. Lifelong Membership Development 3. Continued Alumni Relations 4. Chapter Crescents 5. Recruitment Excellence 6. Communications 7. Living the Promise & Values
Alpha Phi, South Dakota State Alpha Psi, Wisconsin-River Falls Beta Phi, Idaho
GREEN STATUS Sigma, Washington State Chi, Cal Poly State Alpha Eta, Georgia Alpha Kappa, TennesseeKnoxville Beta Sigma, Tarleton State
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The Harvest Academic Excellence
Communications
Recognizes the top three chapters that have shown campus leadership in academics and established a strong academic program for their chapter.
Recognizes chapters who are engaging alumni, potential new members and those outside of the fraternity through multiple online platforms. Chapters who are actively involved on their chapter website, e-newsletters, social media sites, and more are eligible.
HIGHEST HONOR
Eta, Iowa State HIGH HONOR
Lambda, Minnesota HONORABLE MENTION
HIGHEST HONOR
Delta, Purdue
Lambda, Minnesota
Continued Alumni Engagement
Eta, Iowa State
Recognizes the top three chapters who continually foster strong alumni involvement and leadership both on and off campus throughout the year. HIGHEST HONOR
Eta, Iowa State HIGH HONOR
Alpha Zeta, Kansas State HONORABLE MENTION
Kappa, Nebraska-Lincoln
Chapter Crescent: Single Issue Recognizes the top three chapters who have compiled a Crescent that is visually appealing, free of grammatical errors, and is comprised of approximately 75% Alumni News and 25% undergraduate news. HIGHEST HONOR
Alpha Zeta, Kansas State HIGH HONOR
Epsilon, North Dakota State HONORABLE MENTION
Delta, Purdue
Chapter Crescent: Best Feature Story Chapters who wish to apply for this award will submit the article as it appeared in their Chapter Crescent. A feature story can include, but is not limited to, making a difference on campus or in the community, alumni accomplishments to the chapter or agricultural industry, chapter philanthropic events, etc. HIGHEST HONOR
Kappa, Nebraska-Lincoln HIGH HONOR
HIGH HONOR
Recognizes Housemothers/ Directors who have developed and implemented programs and initiatives to improve the social development and/or cultural awareness of the brothers. HIGHEST HONOR
Monica Voiles Alpha Psi, Wisconsin-River Falls
HIGHEST HONOR
HIGH HONOR
Dale Elsener Pi, Oklahoma State
HONORABLE MENTION
Kevin Bacon Alpha Tau, Western Illinois
Alpha Gamma, Florida
Arlene McCollum Theta, Missouri
Lifelong Membership Development
Logan Yearsley Alpha Theta, Maryland
Recognizes the top three chapters that have implemented a program which encompasses continuous education and lifelong personal development in not only new members, but also successful re-engagement of alumni.
Housemother/Director Management Recognizes the top three Housemothers/Directors who consistently demonstrate superior management of the chapter facilities and the chapter as a whole.
HIGHEST HONOR
HIGHEST HONOR
Michael Monson Theta, Missouri
HIGH HONOR
Bradley Starbuck Lambda, Minnesota
Alpha Pi, Arizona HIGH HONOR
Eta, Iowa State HONORABLE MENTION
Beta Phi, Idaho
Recruitment Excellence Recognizes top three chapters that have implemented an effective, year round recruitment program. HIGHEST HONOR
Delta, Purdue HIGH HONOR
Alpha Eta, Georgia HONORABLE MENTION
Alpha Kappa, Tennessee-Knoxville
Living the Promise & Values Recognizes the top three chapters that enthusiastically embrace and uphold the Promise & Values, while continually presenting a positive image of Alpha Gamma Rho. HIGHEST HONOR
Alpha Zeta, Kansas State HIGH HONOR
Epsilon, North Dakota State
HONORABLE MENTION
HONORABLE MENTION
Nu, North Carolina State
Logan Yearsley Alpha Theta, Maryland Arlene McCollum Theta Chapter, Missouri HONORABLE MENTION
Deborah Martinez Chi, Cal Poly
Outstanding Undergraduates of the Year Recognizes collegiate brothers who are excelling in their college career, both on campus and with the Fraternity. Criteria will be based off of academic achievements, leadership and community involvement, and personal growth. A brother may only receive this honor once.
Jordan Gaal Iota, Wisconsin-Madison Michael Poggemiller Eta, Iowa State Michael Wijesinghe Alpha Theta, Maryland
HIGH HONOR
HONORABLE MENTION
Doug Craig Alpha Kappa Tennessee-Knoxville
Adviser Service 5 YEARS
William Renner Omicron, Kentucky
Larry Dooley Beta Nu, Texas A&M Chad Pugh Beta Mu, Austin Peay 10 YEARS
Charles Steiner Beta Gamma, Wisconsin-Platteville 15 YEARS
Anson Elliott Beta Omega, Missouri State Thomas Hoagland Alpha Nu, Connecticut 25 YEARS
Dale Perritt Beta Chi, Stephen F. Austin
30 YEARS
Paul Heineman Eta Chapter, Iowa State
Committed Alumni Corporation
Shawn Jasper Omega, New Hampshire
Recognizes chapters whose Alumni Corporation has demonstrated hard work and continued success for their chapter’s undergraduate membership.
35 YEARS
HIGHEST HONOR
Eta, Iowa State HIGH HONOR
Alpha Zeta, Kansas State HONORABLE MENTION
Alpha Iota, Arkansas
Outstanding Adviser Recognizes three individuals who go above and beyond when it comes to engagement and assistance to their chapter, as well as being a living testament to the AGR Promise & Values. The Fraternity recognizes that the Chapter Advisers play an important role in helping chapters, Make Better Men.
HONORABLE MENTION
Eta, Iowa State Alpha Tau, Western Illinois
Housemother/Director Social & Cultural Development
George Magers Beta Iota, Truman State Glenn Wehner Beta Iota, Truman State
Housemother/Director 5 YEAR
Tracey Harmon Dennis Beta Lambda, Texas A&MCommerce
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2018 Scholarship Recipients The Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho offers scholarships to the undergraduate brothers across the country. Criteria for eligibility for each scholarship differs, but is based on the individual’s pursuit of excellence in scholarship and leadership, and for his contributions to community and fraternity. The deadline for all scholarship applications is April 30.
Apply for AGR’s National Scholarships! Applying for scholarships from The Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho has never been easier! Undergraduate members can apply for over 10 available scholarships with just 1 online form. The “National Scholarship Application” form can be found at www.alphagammarho.org/undergraduate-scholarships. Download the form, complete the questions, and email the completed form to awards@alphagammarho.org
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AGR EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIP Up to four scholarships will be awarded to the individuals who excel in scholarship, leadership, citizenship, activities, and fraternal involvement. hh Tyler Dubry, New Mexico State hh Nate Heinmann, Nebraska-Lincoln hh Cody Little, Tennessee-Martin hh Michael Wijesinghe, Maryland
BILL SALLEE SCHOLARSHIP Alpha Gamma Rho Pi Chapter member who truly has the financial need and exhibits leadership and citizenship traits like Bill Sallee including individual endeavor, resourcefulness, aggressive effort and a balanced lifestyle. hh Mason Hinkle, Oklahoma State
The Harvest DAIRY SCHOLARSHIP Ole Meland has provided a scholarship for an AGR undergraduate who achieves high levels of excellence and is pursuing a major in dairy science, dairy husbandry, or animal science with a dairy emphasis. An undergraduate candidate at Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo will be given first preference. hh Christopher Sweeney, Cornell
DALE RUNNION SCHOLARSHIP Presented to a current AGR undergraduate who plans to complete a college course to pursue a career in agrimarketing, journalism, advertising or public relations. The completion or plans to complete a course in livestock judging or evaluation, campus and/ or community leadership and active participation in journalistic activities will receive strong consideration. hh Harvard Williams, Iowa State
GENE SWACKHAMER AG ECONOMICS/ AG BUSINESS SCHOLARSHIP Presented annually to one AGR undergraduate who achieves high levels of excellence and is pursuing a major in agricultural economics, agribusiness, resource management or closely related field of study. hh Dustin Winston, Idaho
HAROLD OLSON SCHOLARSHIP Presented to an Alpha Gamma Rho undergraduate who has achieved high levels of excellence in scholarship, leadership, citizenship, brotherhood, activities and service. hh Stephen Anderson, Vermont
HORTICULTURE SCHOLARSHIP
LESTER SMITH MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
George Staby has provided for one scholarship to be awarded to an undergraduate who is enrolled with a declared horticulture-related major in; among others: entomology, environmental horticulture, horticulture, landscape gardening, landscape horticulture, ornamental horticulture, pest control, plant breeding, plant pathology, plant science (with horticulture emphasis), pomology, and/or vegetable crops; who have completed at least three courses in the department of their declared major.
This fund recognizes a member of Alpha Gamma Rho, with first preference going to Delta Chapter members who have demonstrated a financial need and a willingness to live by AGR’s Promise statement and uphold the AGR Values. The student must be living in the fraternity house and studying and preparing for a career in or related to agriculture, who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, interest and ability in college, university and/or community extra-curricular activities.
hh Robert Lommerse, Florida Southern
J. WAYNE REHN SCHOLARSHIP Sophomore or junior member with preference given to Alpha Chapter members, who is majoring in preveterinary medicine or in animal science, living in the Fraternity house, and agrees to return to college for his ensuing year, live in the chapter house and continue to pursue his major with a high GPA. hhAndrew Johnson, Illinois
KIRBY BARRICK AGRICULTURE EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP This fund provides one scholarship to a male student who plans to study agricultural education at a college with an AGR chapter with the intent to teach after graduation. Payment of the scholarship is made once the student enrolls in agricultural education and is initiated into the local AGR chapter. hh Kade Hill, Illinois
hh Zane Gottschalk, Purdue
LINDLEY FINCH SCHOLARSHIP The Foundation will grant one scholarship to an undergraduate who truly has financial need and exhibits leadership and citizenship traits like those of Lindley Finch, including endeavor, resourcefulness, aggressive effort, and a balanced lifestyle. First preference will be given to students of Eta Chapter, Iowa State University hh Brandon Hanson, Iowa State
ROBERT L. OEHRTMAN SCHOLARSHIP The recipient must be enrolled as a full-time student at their university and current brother of AGR, who has held leadership positions in their community, academics or religious affiliations. Applicant must have a GPA of 3.0 or better. hhJames Stults, Arkansas
UNDERGRADUATE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Two scholarships are presented to outstanding undergraduates that excel in all areas of involvement on campus and within Alpha Gamma Rho. hh Eric Leisy, Nebraska hh Trey Wiese, Iowa State
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Lifetime Giving Levels The following Lifetime Giving Levels recognize brothers with cumulative lifetime giving of $50,000 or more to The Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho prior to July 1, 2018, and indicate the number of gifts made during a their lifetime. Thank you for all your generous and continued support for AGR.
NAME CHAPTER-SCHOOL
Founders’ Circle
TOTAL # OF GIFTS
$1,000,000 – $1,000,000,000
A.J. Jacques
Pi, Oklahoma State
38
Malone Mitchell
Pi, Oklahoma State
1
Order of the Brotherhood
$500,000 – $1,000,000
NAME CHAPTER-SCHOOL
TOTAL # OF GIFTS
William Yerkes
Gamma, Penn State
Dick Belcher
Delta, Purdue
26 27
Sandy Belden
Delta, Purdue
59
Joseph Coffey
Delta, Purdue
63
Tom Davis
Delta, Purdue
58 14
Phil Francis
Alpha, Illinois
23
Joseph Hasler
Delta, Purdue
Gene Lemon
Alpha, Illinois
48
Gregg Halverson
Epsilon, North Dakota State
8
Al Johnson
Epsilon, North Dakota State
61
Order of the Harvest
$100,000 – $500,000
Kirby Barrick
Beta, Ohio State
80
Dick Bere
Beta, Ohio State
17
Thomas Timmer
Beta, Ohio State
9
Byram Dickes
Delta, Purdue
Douglas Eckrote
Delta, Purdue
23
Mike Jackson
Delta, Purdue
40
40
Steven Newcom
Delta, Purdue
42
Gene Swackhamer
Delta, Purdue
79
David Sunderland
Epsilon, North Dakota State
Bill Hantke
Iota, Wisconsin-Madison
3 13
Samuel Davis
Nu, North Carolina State
36
Gary Clark
Pi, Oklahoma State
30
Bradley Gungoll
Pi, Oklahoma State
4
Doug Jackson
Pi, Oklahoma State
9
Lee Larkin
Pi, Oklahoma State
Doyle Jacklin
Sigma, Washington State
66
Donald De Jong
Chi, Cal Poly
38
N. Brooks
Alpha Gamma, Florida
5
John Douthat
Alpha Gamma, Florida
27
Bernie Lester
Alpha Gamma, Florida
60
Ed Smoak
Alpha Gamma, Florida
9
Randy Stoecker
Alpha Zeta, Kansas State
66
Doug Weyer
Alpha Zeta, Kansas State
52
Bill Boehm
Alpha Psi, UWRiver Falls
123
Order of the Shield
31
$50,000 – $100,000
Ed Foley
Alpha, Illinois
62
Gerald Gehlbach
Alpha, Illinois
29
Steven Gerdes
Alpha, Illinois
6
Larry Gerdes
Alpha, Illinois
11
Jim Ross
Alpha, Illinois
47
David Schick
Alpha, Illinois
27
James Berg
Beta, Ohio State
32
Bill Richards
Beta, Ohio State
17
Rick Carpenter
Gamma, Penn State
75
John Shearer
Gamma, Penn State
31
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Corey Martin
Epsilon, North Dakota State
13
Jerry Puppe
Epsilon, North Dakota State
42
Jim Borel
Eta, Iowa State
50
Sigmund Cornelius
Eta, Iowa State
43
David Van Wert
Eta, Iowa State
50
Steve Ellis
Theta, Missouri
91
Charlie Napier
Theta, Missouri
35
Robert Wheeler
Theta, Missouri
Karl Drye
Iota, Wisconsin-Madison
9 29
Russ Schuler
Iota, Wisconsin-Madison
2
Jerry Steiner
Iota, Wisconsin-Madison
30
Arthur Tab Williams
Nu, North Carolina State
Glenn Stith
Omicron, Kentucky
3 27
Ray Beck
Pi, Oklahoma State
3
Jeffrey Bode
Pi, Oklahoma State
4
Joe Hinz
Pi, Oklahoma State
17
A.L. Hutson
Pi, Oklahoma State
60 28
Paul Schulte
Pi, Oklahoma State
Scott Sewell
Pi, Oklahoma State
15
James Sigmon
Pi, Oklahoma State
14
K. Wayne Sizelove
Pi, Oklahoma State
2
Dennis Slagell
Pi, Oklahoma State
20
Paul Yauk
Pi, Oklahoma State
5
Gerry Rominger
Phi, CaliforniaDavis
52
Ole Meland
Chi, Cal Poly
40
Skye Krebs
Alpha Beta, Oregon State
6
Gary Nuss
Alpha Beta, Oregon State
64
Steve Burgess
Alpha Zeta, Kansas State
27
Loren Kruse
Alpha Zeta, Kansas State
82
James Mitchell
Alpha Iota, Arkansas
14
Donnie Smith
Alpha Kappa, TennesseeKnoxville 4
Larry Lepper
Alpha Tau, Western Illinois
37
Phil Nichols
Alpha Tau, Western Illinois
13
Norberta Modliszewski
Non-Member
3
Lillian Fobes
Non-Member
3
Smoak Groves, Inc.
Non-Member
1
The Harvest
Loyalty Fund For AGR: Giving For Our Purpose The 2017-18 Loyalty Fund for AGR: Giving for Our Purpose enables the Foundation to support programs for the National Fraternity including scholarships, Leadership Seminars, Recruitment Schools, Adviser Forums, Matching Funds and more. Four Pillars Society $5,000+ 2017-18 Four Pillars Society membership is based on annual undesignated contribution of $5,000 or more, specifically in response to Loyalty Fund for AGR solicitation. This listing recognizes Brothers who are focused on a vision in support of educational programs that inspire young Brothers towards success. ALPHA, ILLINOIS
DELTA, PURDUE
ETA, IOWA STATE
OMICRON, KENTUCKY
Gene Lemon
Allen Orr
Jim Borel
Glenn Stith
BETA, OHIO STATE
EPSILON, NORTH DAKOTA STATE
IOTA, WISCONSIN MADISON
PI, OKLAHOMA STATE
Kirby Barrick
Jack Brown
Jerry Steiner
A.J. Jacques
SIGMA, WASHINGTON STATE
ALPHA SIGMA, FRESNO STATE
Doyle Jacklin
Ian Burnett
CHI, CAL POLY
Donald De Jong
Grand President Society $1,000 – $1,903
The 1904 Society recognizes donors at three levels:
2017-18 Grand President’s Society membership is based on annual, undesignated contributions of $1,000-$1,903, specifically in response to Loyalty Fund for AGR solicitation. This listing recognizes brothers who are focused on a vision in support of educational programs that inspire young brothers towards success.
1904 Society: Alumni All alumni can join this level by making a gift of $1,904-$4,999 per fiscal year to the Loyalty Fund for AGR.
ALPHA, ILLINOIS
Brett Bayston Clifford Beatty Joseph Bicknell William Dimond Ed Dollinger Phil Francis David Larson Dave Maurer Wilbur Nelson Lyle Orwig David Schick
BETA, OHIO STATE
David Ames Karl Warnke GAMMA, PENN STATE
Rick Carpenter Tom Scott William Yerkes DELTA, PURDUE
Wayne Beehler Dick Belcher Joseph Coffey John Cottingham Dick Feltner Matthew Hill C. James McCormick John Nigh David Parker Charles Whittington Don Winters ZETA, CORNELL
Don Calhoun Walter Gladstone Douglas Mains Terry Savidge Andy White ETA, IOWA STATE
Fred Bahrenburg Charlie Brown Sigmund Cornelius Tim Heiller Jim Howe Greg Nickerson David Van Wert Arlen Wonderlich THETA, MISSOURI
Stephen Barr Matt Horstmeier Leslie Jett
IOTA, WISCONSIN MADISON
Karl Drye Dale Emshoff Samuel Miller Robert Schwert Bernie Staller
KAPPA. NEBRASKA
Jim Cada Hal Cooper Kent Pauley XI. AUBURN
Stanley Appleton OMICRON. KENTUCKY
Steve Hupman Tom Waldrop Samuel Willett PI. OKLAHOMA STATE
Jack Bradshaw Paul Burrell Kim Ford A.L. Hutson RHO. COLORADO STATE
David Ellicott
TAU. MICHIGAN STATE
Gerald Cole William Graves William Hellegas Dave Willetts PHI. CALIFORNIA DAVIS
Kip Herzog Ken McCorkle
CHI. CAL POLY
Ramon Echeverria Brett Hedrick Jeffrey Sanders PSI. MAINE
Allen Morell ALPHA GAMMA. FLORIDA
Barry Bustillo Jimmy Cheek Bernie Lester
ALPHA DELTA. MONTANA STATE
Jim Driscoll Jim Gannon Shane Lester
ALPHA EPSILON. LOUISIANA STATE
BETA DELTA, ILLINOIS STATE
ALPHA ZET. KANSAS STATE
BETA ZETA, CLEMSON
Ricky Guidry
Donald Griffiths Loren Kruse William Sorrick Michael Torrey ALPHA ETA. GEORGIA
Wilbur Mull J. Austin Pugmire ALPHA THETA. MARYLAND
Chuck Iager Paul Weller
ALPHA IOTA, ARKANSAS
Todd Martin
ALPHA KAPPA, TENNESSEE KNOXVILLE
Peter Markovich ALPHA MU, RUTGERS
Michael Mekenian ALPHA PI, ARIZONA
Robert Briggs Richard Morrison Ronald Rayner ALPHA RHO, VERMONT
Bruce Attig
Michael Freeman BETA THETA, MIDDLE TENNESSEE
Jason Searles
BETA SIGMA, TARLETON STATE
Michael Keith
1904 Society: Young Alumni Young Alumni (30 years or younger) can join this level by making a gift of $19.04 per month (or $228.48 per fiscal year) to the Loyalty Fund for AGR. 1904 Society: Collegiate Collegians can join this level by making a gift of $19.04 or more per fiscal year to the Loyalty Fund for AGR.
1904 Society: Alumni $1,904 – $4,999 ALPHA, ILLINOIS
David Hollinrake Thad Kuhfuss BETA, OHIO STATE
James Berg
DELTA, PURDUE
Gene Swackhamer EPSILON, NORTH DAKOTA STATE
Keith Bjerke Al Johnson
ZETA, CORNELL
Greg Wickham
ETA IOWA STATE
Mike Borel Ken Isley
THETA, MISSOURI
KAPPA, NEBRASKA
ALPHA TAU, WESTERN ILLINOIS
Larry Engelkemier Gregory Mullins William Schilling
Gerry Salzman
PI, OKLAHOMA STATE
Robert Hodgen Dennis Slagell
PHI, CALIFORNIA DAVIS
Gerry Rominger Jeremy Turner
BETA ETA, VIRGINIA TECH
ALPHA RHO, VERMONT
BETA THETA, MIDDLE TENNESSEE
Rex Martin Fendley Ragland Brian Markwell
ETA, IOWA STATE
Grant Bargfrede
KAPPA, NEBRASKA
ETA, IOWA STATE
Brandon Hanson
NU, NORTH CAROLINA STATE
Dwight Armstrong Kenneth Myers BETA ALPHA. SOUTHERN ILLINOIS
OMICRON, KENTUCKY
BETA GAMMA. WISC. PLATTEVILLE
Duane Schaefer
Ronnie Green
Martin Rice
1904 Society: Young Alumni ($19.04 per month)
Ben Cauthen Matt Gould Stephen Mabe Kaleb Modlin Daniel Sartin Anthony Scala
Greg Webb
Bill Boehm
Jerome Graeser Larry Warren
ALPHA ZETA, KANSAS STATE
ALPHA PSI, UW RIVER FALLS
Nathan Laudan William Longinaker
Tanner Johnson
BETA PHI, IDAHO
1904 Society: Collegiate ($19.04 per year)
ALPHA OMEGA. MURRAY STATE
Jack Britt Ernest Yates
ALPHA IOTA, ARKANSAS
ALPHA SIGMA, FRESNO STATE
Phil George Phil Josephson
ALPHA CHI, WESTERN KENTUCKY
ALPHA PSI, UW RIVER FALLS
Paul Willis
Alex Wach
ALPHA PSI, UW RIVER FALLS
Troy Johnson
ALPHA GAMMA, FLORIDA
Jim Carpenter Erwin Clark
Gary Nelson
ALPHA PHI, SOUTH DAKOTA STATE
Benjamin Willoughby ALPHA ZETA, KANSAS STATE
Del Adcock Dean Adcock Nathan Welch
Seth Pratt ALPHA PSI, UW RIVER FALLS
Joshua Borden Jonathan Erickson Jacob Filo Adam Kramer Clifton McClintock Logan Paschke Matthew Stanek Kyle Stuttgen Jacob Timm Eric Wuthrich BETA GAMMA, WISC. PLATTEVILLE
Jake Stukenberg BETA IOTA, TRUMAN STATE
Levi Krauss
BETA NU. TEXAS A & M
Preston De Jong Montgomery Gano Cyan Vaughn Coy Westbrook BETA XI. TEXAS TECH
Garrett Ballard Justin Daniel Will Estes Kolby Glenn Blake Grantham Sterling Hannsz Hayden James Hughes Grant Lanier Drew Martin Will Murray FA L L 2 0 1 8
Michael O'Neil Landon Smith BETA RHO, NORTHWEST MISSOURI
Wyatt Jackson Lane Peterson Jared Simmons BETA SIGMA, TARLETON STATE
Colton Griffin
BETA PHI, IDAHO
Dustin Winston GAMMA DELTA, ABAC
Wes Crumpton
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Memorial & Honorary Gifts Memorial and Honorary Gifts may be made on behalf of any Alpha Gamma Rho brother and directed to any fund. The following listing recognizes the Alpha Gamma Rho brothers and friends who gave in honor of a brother between July 1, 2017 and July 1, 2018.
In Honor Of:
Don G. Knoche
Jenks Britt
by Keith D. Bjerke (in honor of Jack Britt)
Scott A. Clark
by Nancy Clark
Jack R. Dahl
by Keith D. Bjerke
Wyatt A. Feltman
by Wayne Feltman by Bill A. Harbeke
Joseph Gray
by William D. Carriere
Gregory J. Hands
by Loren J. Kruse
Ronald W. Hurt
by W. Dan Groscost by L. Patrick Scheetz by Mark A. Seest
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by State Farm by Theta Eta Chapter of Sigma Kappa by Denis D. Anderson by Todd E. Armour by Jeff Armstrong by Mark A. Bemis by Karen Bender by Doris Blevins by Valerie J Blevins by Sandra Bond by Susan Bostrom by Frederick Brauer by James Breuninger by Dianne Burns by Kay Burns by Pete G. Cahill by Drew D. Carls by Gary D. Carstens by Betty Chiti by Joyree Chura by Mark C. Cox by Sarah Dal Pozzo by Donald Daley by Cyrelda Dobrino
by by by by by by by by by by by by by by by by by by by by by by by by by by by by by by by by by by by by by by by by by by by by by by by
Edward J. Dollinger Pat Eble Lori Eckhardt Dean W. Espenschied Dianne Feasley Mark E. Fecht John D. Foley Jane Frey Matt J. Full Tammara Gachter Mark C. Gossett David F. Hamman Fred Hamman James F. Hamman Christopher S. Harrell Sharon Haughey Jon R. Heyen Gregory L. Hodges Thomas W. Hoekstra Jane Homeier Betsy Hudson Scott C. Jeckel Brent J. Johnson C. Scott S. Johnson Eric E. Kahle Teri Kellar Jared J. Kempel Cheryl Knoche Kay Knop John L. Leinberger James P. Lindgren Leann Link Horace Mann Susan McLeod Cindy Mevorah John A. Milton Michael Moorberg Denny Myers Michael Novario Larry Odorizzi Jerry Park Leesha Peoples Robert W. Pritchard Dawn Quon Bradley Rogers Virgil B Rosendale Allyson Rotramel
by by by by by by by by by by by by by by by by by
Kyle Sanders Marie Schreiber Douglas G. Schroeder Joel C. Seiboldt Elizabeth Shafer Randall S. Shimkus Debra Stierwalt Karey Terselic Linda Thomas Susan Unger Diana Vaughn Carole Wall John Weber Tina Weis Timothy Williamson Scott L. Willis Jim F. Wright
James W. Lindley
by Patrick B Lindley
Russ G. Mawby
by Edward M. Thelen
C. James McCormick
by The McCormick Family Foundation
Emil M. Mrak
by Dean W. Wheeler
William W. Ortlieb
by Andrew P. White
Wilbur E. Pauley
by Ronald D. Green
John D. Reitenour
by James L. Whitehead
Donald I. Wickham
by James E. Munroe by Bill S. Wickham
Donald J. Wickham
by Bill S. Wickham
Daniel L. Winans
by Rick H. Hiatt
The Harvest
Heritage Club The Heritage Club honors brothers and friends of Alpha Gamma Rho who leave a legacy for the future of the Fraternity through specific gifts or bequests. Admittance is attained with planned gifts of $10,000 or more designated to The Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho. Alpha, Illinois
Pi, Oklahoma State
Alpha Zeta, Kansas State
Alpha Tau, Western Illinois
Steven Gerdes Jim Ross Jim Zumwalt
James Ferrell
JD Hagedorn Edwin Kerley Loren Kruse Warren Nichols Tim Rosenhagen Doug Weyer
Jeff Warner
Alpha Theta, Maryland
Jay Poole
Beta, Ohio State Kirby Barrick
Gamma, Penn State
Sigma, Washington State Doyle Jacklin
Tau, Michigan State John Welser
Rick Carpenter
Phi, California Davis
Delta, Purdue
John Kidd Jeremy Turner
Dick Feltner Mike Jackson Ted Priebe Gene Swackhamer
Epsilon ,North Dakota State Jack Brown Tom Gates Al Johnson Jerry Puppe
Eta, Iowa State Fred Bahrenburg Mike Borel Bret Carter Scott Flynn Steve Hanson David Van Wert Robert Vasko Arlen Wonderlich
Chi, Cal Poly Ole Meland
Omega, New Hampshire
Paul Weller
Bill Boehm Phil Josephson
Beta Eta, Virginia Tech Beta Tau, Mississippi State
Alpha Kappa, Tennessee Knoxville
Brad Garrison
Thomas White
If you have included the Foundation in your will or estate plan, please notify the Home Office, you will be recognized as a member of the Heritage Club, one whose legacy will Make Better Men.
Alpha Lambda, New Mexico State
Everett Ryan
Paul Gutierrez
Alpha Beta, Oregon State
Alpha Pi, Arizona
Vince McElligott
Len Richardson
Alpha Delta, Montana State
Alpha Rho, Vermont
Jim Driscoll
Alpha Psi, UW River Falls
Erwin Clark LC Jost Don McFeeters
Theta, Missouri Zane Akins Lynn Fahrmeier Lowell Mohler Lowell Newsom Dan Prosser
Kappa, Nebraska Ron Grapes William Schilling Charlie Trauger
Nu, North Carolina State Tyler Warren
Omicron, Kentucky David Case Glenn Stith
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Transitions
In Memory of Our Great Brothers The following deaths were reported to the Home Office since the last publication of Sickle & Sheaf. The listing includes initiation year. Auburn William Ted Heath, 1956 James Dennis Langston, 1969 John F. Pritchett, 1961 William B. Stribling, 1959 Charles Clancy Turner, 1960 Stanley P. Wilson, 1951 Colorado State Don E. Bailey, DVM, 1946 Ryan S. Lacy, 1999 Cornell Merrick M. Reed, 1969 Illinois Herbert Hyde Green, 1943 L. Gene Lemon, 1959 Max A. Olson, 1957 Charles G. Tomm, 1949 David M. Van Oman, 1970 Iowa State Maurice E. Core, 1950 Howard D. Miller, 1959 Kansas State Cecil W. Ingmire, DVM, 1945 Zeb A. Larson, 1997 John Meetz, 1963 O. Max Peterson, 1963 Kentucky David M. Frymire, 1946 James Mendel Howard, 1962 James P. Kirby, II, 1979 Timothy W. Marcum, 1973 Charles E. Prewitt, 1966 Jeffrey L. Singer, 1977
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Maine Francis W. Drake, Jr., 1956 Maryland Richard G. Boston, 1956 John Harry Hoyert, Jr., 1942 Richard L. Kemp, 1954 Massachusetts Richard E. Gaylord, 1948 Minnesota Dylan Wilson Fulton, 2017 Paul C. Griebel, 1974 Missouri Martin J. Johns, 1947 Lelan E. Kapp, 1958 Sidney B. Powell, Jr., 1952 Montana State Harold A. Brown, 1962
New Hampshire Martin M. Feuer, 1946 New Mexico State Thomas E. Crume, 1958 North Carolina State Edgar L. Dallery, 1952 David S. Sartin, 1953 North Dakota State Myron L. Aune, 1979 Richard D. Knutson, 1959 Jerome D. Narum, 1965 Marvin K. Pfeifer, 1969 Ronald I. Tolstad, 1953 Ohio State William L. Flinn, 1959 Floyd W. Guterba, 1950 Oklahoma State Abbott J. Deakins, 1971 Matt E. Wynn, 1970
Penn State Donald G. Lerch, Jr., 1938 Edward M. McMillin, 1948 Purdue Richard A. Elsbury, 1952 Michael Emmert, 1972 Southern Illinois James Frederick Cunningham, 1970 Tennessee-Knoxville David T. Craig, 1967 Kirk T. Mann, 1985 Charles L. Smith, 1953 Lawrence A. Ward, Jr., 1986 Charles R. Wooten, Jr., 1973 A. Manson Morrow, II, 1967 Richard A. Robinson, 1963
Texas A&M William Montgomery Gano, 2016 Vermont Sid Boyle, 1979 Antonio DiRuocco, 2011 Washington State Arthur M. Sunderland, 1941 West Virginia Charles Edward Main, 1956
Q&AGR
Q&AGR BERNIE STALLER, NEWLY ELECTED GRAND PRESIDENT OF ALPHA GAMMA RHO, SHARES HIS FRATERNITY EXPERIENCE AND HIS IDEAS FOR THE AGR NATIONAL BOARD. Brother Staller, a native of Indiana, graduated from high school in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin in 1961. In 1962, he was initiated into Iota Chapter at the University of WisconsinMadison where he graduated with honors and holds both bachelor and master’s degrees. Staller then served as an agribusiness instructor and FFA Advisor at JanesvilleParker High School. In 1977, Staller became Assistant Executive Director of the National FFA Foundation and was promoted to Executive Director in 1979. In 1991 he assumed responsibilities as Chief Operating Officer for both the National FFA Organization and National FFA Foundation. He retired in 2004. He is a past president of The Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho and served Iota Chapter’s Alumni Corporation on Educational Foundation boards and several capital campaigns. Staller and his wife Martha have two children and five grandchildren. What are a few life lessons you learned on the farm? My farm experience taught me the value of hard work and focused effort. Our farm was large and there was always far more work to get done than hours available. Being willing to work hard is a wonderful attribute. But focusing on doing the right things — then doing them right — is what leads to success.
AGR, I immediately had a family of 40 men who shared a common purpose. That made a huge difference. AGR provided a cadre of caring people and social skills I desperately needed. My Big Brother, Jack King, helped me stay focused on academic and career success among all the “noise” on a college campus. Without AGR, I doubt I would have even graduated from UW-Madison.
How has your AGR experience impacted your life and career?
What are among the top priorities of the national AGR board?
I was reared in a family of 11 and was the first member of my family to attend college. Going to a university of 40,000 students, my success was certainly not assured. But when I joined
There are three: One, we want to grow our fraternity and its influence by growing chapters and seeking strategic partnerships. Two, we want to increase undergraduate participation
in shaping our National Fraternity’s future direction through our new eightmember Collegiate Advisory Council. And three, we want our fraternity to become increasingly transparent in our operation and relationships. Our chapters are led by many great and generous volunteers. At the national level, we want to harvest from these leaders their best of ideas and practices in chapter operations, academic environment, engagement of alumni, communications and preparation of undergraduates for life and career success.
“Focusing on doing the right things — then doing them right — is what leads to success.”
We can then assist all chapters in implementing high-yielding ideas for best performance and growth. We also want to explore additional strategic partnerships with ag organizations and/or sororities involving women and minorities. We believe such partnerships enrich our undergraduate experience and expand our influence in the global ag industry.
Are the words “to make better men” as relevant to our AGR Purpose today as in 1904? Our Purpose is as important as ever. When we Make Better Men, we also make better husbands, fathers, employees, and school board members. We make better citizens, better leaders and a better agriculture! What we do is certainly relevant and so very much needed in this country today. FA L L 2 0 1 8
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The Last Pass
Alpha Gamma Rho Loses a GIANT! Gene Lemon, an extraordinary leader within Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity, died on June 30, 2018, after a short fight with cancer. He was 78. Services were held in July 2018, where many AGR brothers and friends gathered to honor Brother Lemon and support his family. During the 65th AGR National Convention in August 2018, a tribute to Gene Lemon was given by former AGR CEO Phil Josephson. Brother Josephson and Lemon were great friends.
“GENE LEMON WAS A GRACIOUS gentleman. He was a role model as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, AGR, and friend. Gene had an illustrious career and served as a volunteer and dedicated servant for many local, state and national charities, organizations and government tasks. It was always neat to see Gene's bio end with a significant acknowledge-
provisions for positive changes. In the fall of 2017, Gene was recognized by the North-American Interfraternity Conference Foundation with its Outstanding Volunteer Award. Gene was also a donor — he and Cathie put their money where their thoughts were. Gene Lemon was AGR’s 4th largest donor in history. He was also
ment of AGR's presence in his life."
In 1958, Gene went on to the University of Illinois and was initiated into AGR on February 22, 1959. He served as Noble Ruler for Alpha Chapter and also served as a helping hand to Sleeter Bull (while sharing a glass of Sleeter’s favorite Bourbon.) Gene served as AGR’s Legal and General Counsel for over 50 years — setting a record in the Greek World. He was elected Grand President in abstentia and re-wrote the AGR National Constitution in 1976-77. He was elected as a Brother of the Century during AGR’s Centennial and inducted into AGR’s Hall of Fame. Brother Lemon has been a stalwart at every level. He was on the Uniform Law Conference that wrote the legislation to allow Foundations to operate with 28 SICKLE & SHEAF
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“May God bless the life and legacy of Gene Lemon.” - PHIL JOSEPHSON
a huge donor of his business acumen and his rich experiences. For over 50 years AGR benefited by having Gene share some best business practices which were of great advantage. You would frequently see Gene networking with the undergraduates at conventions and seminars as he also donated his hospitality
and humor. He always had time for others and never a negative comment — just a gentleman. Gene Lemon was a giant in AGR. He was my good friend, and I will miss him. He will be deeply missed by AGR but he would not want us to shed a tear. He would want us to move forward with conviction to do the right things.
Our Roots
The Refrigerator Sleeter Bull, also known as “The Grand Old Man of Alpha Gamma Rho,” gifted his 1930’s General Electric Monitor Top Refrigerator to AGR Brother Gene Lemon when Lemon and his wife, Cathie, got married in the early 1960’s. Bull was Alpha Gamma Rho’s first Executive and served as “Grand Secretary” from 1917 to 1963. While attending the University of Illinois, Lemon served Bull as a helping hand to the fraternity back when the national office of Alpha Gamma Rho was set up in Bull’s basement of his home in Urbana, IL — refrigerator included. The Lemons used the refrigerator as they set up their first household in Western Springs, IL, and continued to move it from home to home throughout the 60’s and onward. Today, it sits in the Lemon household in Phoenix, AZ. “The refrigerator is part of the memory of the relationship Gene had with first AGR Executive Sleeter Bull and the Bull family,” said former AGR CEO Phil Josephson, “it seems to represent the foundation of Brotherhood Gene developed with AGR early on and continued throughout his 50 years of service to the fraternity.”
Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity 10101 N. Ambassador Drive Kansas City, MO 64153-1366
2019 Leadership Seminars Make sure your Chapter is represented! AGR Leadership Seminars, in conjunction with Sigma Alpha Sorority, provide both collegiate and alumni members with the ability to share experiences, inspire involvement, and create lasting impacts on their campuses and communities. Brothers have the opportunity to network with other young agricultural professionals from across the country and share in each other’s challenges and triumphs.
Oklahoma City, OK February 1-2, 2019 Salt Lake City, UT February 8-9, 2019 Indianapolis, IN February 15-16, 2019 Richmond, VA February 22-23, 2019
âžź Registration coming soon!